circumstantial evidence

American  

noun

1. proof of facts offered as evidence from which other facts are to be inferred (contrasted with direct evidence).

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circumstantial evidence British  

noun

1. indirect evidence that tends to establish a conclusion by inference Compare direct evidence

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Etymology

Origin of circumstantial evidence

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

circumstantial evidence

In recent interviews, Spielberg has said he now considers the circumstantial evidence for UFOs “overwhelming” and no longer views “Disclosure Day” as science fiction at all.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2026

"It was the DNA evidence, as our prosecution barrister highlighted, that glued all of that circumstantial evidence together to build such a strong case that led to his guilty plea," Gray said.

From BBC ● Feb. 10, 2026

Like a criminal trial with no eyewitnesses, the prosecution of the “Queens of Combat” question relies on a cistern’s worth of circumstantial evidence, which may or may not add up to a case.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 27, 2026

“It is like circumstantial evidence in a Sherlock Holmes mystery,” said Slok.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 12, 2025

Though White had gathered circumstantial evidence implicating Hale in the murder of Roan, there were still huge holes in the case.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann